Miss Universe Nepal (MUN) (Nepali: मिस युनिभर्स नेपाल) is a beauty pageant competition, organized by Global Glamour Venture.[1] The contest selects the country representative for Miss Universe.[2] The current Miss Universe Nepal is Sampada Ghimire from Bhaktapur.

Miss Universe Nepal
Formation2017; 7 years ago (2017)
TypeBeauty pageant
HeadquartersKathmandu
Membership
Miss Universe
Official language
National Director
Gopal Kakshapati
(2017-2019)
Sangita Puri
(2024-present)
Managing Director
Uddhab Adhikari
(2020-2023)
Alok Chhetri
(2024-present)
President
Sabi Puri
Parent organization
The Hidden Treasure (2017-2019)

Miss Vibhaa
(2020-2023)

Global Glamour Venture (2024-present)
Websitehttps://missuniversenepalglobalglamour.com/

History

The Miss Universe Nepal officially began in 2017 when Nagma Shrestha was appointed as Miss Universe Nepal by Miss Nepal- The Hidden Treasure.[3] The contest was conducted by The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal and crowned Manita Devkota in 2018 and Pradeepta Adhikari in 2019.[4] Miss Vibhaa by Umanga Creation became the official franchisee for Miss Universe on 11 June 2020 with Uddhab Adhikari, owner of Umanga Creations as the Managing Director of the pageant.[5][6] During a digital press conference on 11 June 2020, it was announced that Miss Vibhaa was an all digital competition starting right from the registration; participants will be able to register themselves through the Miss Vibhaa app.[7] Title holders under "Miss Vibhaa-Miss Universe Nepal" are Anshika Sharma, Sujita Basnet, Sophiya Bhujel and Jane Dipika Garett for years 2020 to 2023 respectively.[8]

Miss Nepal 2018 Manita Devkota got first ever placement for Nepal at Miss Universe 2018 as she entered the Top 10 finalists.[9] Similarly, Jane Dipika Garrett got placed at Top 20 of Miss Universe 2023.[10] Garrett also got recognition as the first plus size model to enter Miss Universe Semi Finals.[11]

In early 2024, Global Glamour Ventures debuted to organize the next editions of Miss Universe Nepal.[12][13]

Pageant Format

Registration Phase

Registrations are generally announced about a month prior to the pageant activities. The mode of registrations are virtual done by apps like "Khalti" and Miss Universe Nepal website.

Eligibility Criteria:[14]

  • Applicant must be Nepali Citizen/ Non-Resident Nepali aged 18 or above who identifies as a woman.
  • No height/weight criteria and no criteria on other physical measurements.
  • Competition is open to all adult women; married, unmarried or divorced.
  • Pregnant women, mother of children can participate in the competition as per the guidelines of Miss Universe.
  • Minimum Academic qualification: 10+2/Equivalent or above.

Auditions Round

After the registrations, 60 qualifiers are selected based on their credentials (walk video and introductory note submitted with application form). The top 60 qualifiers perform in catwalk round, Q/A round at physical auditions which is telecasted on sponsored TV Channel. Top scorers are advanced to Top 35 by judges' score [15][16]

Preliminary Competition

The Top 35 is revealed to public in a televised 'Sash Ceremony'. Then they go to a month long grooming session where they are trained on walk, etiquette, stage presence, artistry, communication and social works. Prior to the grand finals, Top 35 performs in a live-streamed preliminary swimsuit, advocacy presentation round and closed door interviews. [17][18]

The Grand Finale

At the grand finale, Top 15 is selected from Top 35 based on preliminary and closed door interviews. The contestant with best advocacy presentation and one highest voted contestant advances directly to Top 15 and the rest spots are fulfilled by judges' score. Then, top 15 perform in swimsuit round after which Top 10 is announced. Then, Top 10 performs in Evening Gowns after which the Top 5 is selected. Then, the Top 5 performs in Q/A round, based on which the winner of the contest is crowned as The Miss Universe Nepal.[19]The pageant format can be modified by the organizer as per the time limit or needs of international pageant.

Crowns

  • The RB Diamond Crown: This crown was used to award the winners of Miss Nepal- The Hidden Treasure (Miss Universe Nepal 2017-2019). The crown features the Sun, the Moon and the Stars as the emblem of the universe and the symbols of eternity. The crown features triangular framework symbolizing the Himalayas of Nepal. This diamond-studded crown based on gold, crafted by RB Diamonds[20]
  • Brave Bold Beautiful Crown: This crown was used to award the winner of Miss Vibhaa 2020 (Miss Universe Nepal 2020). The crown focuses on three gems of Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond that glorify the bravery, boldness and beauty of Nepali women. This crown was crafted by Apala Jewels.[21]
  • The Mystical Crown: This crown was used to award the winners of "Miss Vibhaa 2021-2023"(Miss Universe Nepal 2021-2023). The crown is inspired form Newari Architecture with ideas from worship places of Lord Bhairava. The crown is centered around Lord Buddha's gazing eyes, believed to be blessing the people of the world. This diamond studded crown based on white gold was crafted by Shree Balaji Diamonds.[22]
  • Star of The Universe: This crown is used to award the winner of Miss Universe Nepal (2024-present). The crown features a star that signifies eternity and glory of Miss Universe. The crown is an exquisite white gold creation with diamonds and vibrant gemstones. Inspired by the nightsky and Nepal's heritage, it symbolizes brilliance and empowerment. [23]

Titleholders

Editions Miss Universe Nepal Runners up Venue Host city Entrants Organizer
First Second Third Fourth
2024 Sampada Ghimire
Bhaktapur
Smriti Singh
Lalitpur
Akshita Chhetri
Kathmandu / United Arab Emirates
Karren Eva Murray
Lalitpur
Sujal Bam
Doti
Godavari Sunrise Convention Center Lalitpur 60 Global Glamour Venture
2023 Jane Dipika Garrett[24]
Kathmandu
Garima Ghimire
Biratnagar
Buddhisara Sunar
Adelaide, Australia / Tanahun
Shitashma Pokharel
Lalitpur
Abhilasha Lamsal
Lalitpur
37 Miss Vibhaa
2022 Sophiya Bhujel[25]
Kathmandu
Bipana Adhikari (Resigned)
Sydney, Australia / Dhading
Ashma KC (Successor)
Adelaide, Australia / Kathmandu
Sefina Joshi
Kathmandu
Monalisha Parajuli
Udayapur
Jasmine Khadka
Kathmandu
Hotel Yak & Yeti Kathmandu 61
2021 Sujita Basnet[26]
Maryland, USA / Kathmandu
Nina Kant Mandal
Moscow, Russia / Saptari
Rakchya Upreti
Kathmandu
Pratikshya Mahara Chhetri
Rolpa
Keshu Khadka
Lalitpur
50
2020 Anshika Sharma[27]
Sydney, Australia / Jhapa
Sujita Basnet
Maryland, USA / Kathmandu
Nina Kant Mandal
Moscow, Russia / Saptari
Dikta Thapa
Chandragiri
Nancy Khadka
Biratnagar / California, USA
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel 18
2019 Pradeepta Adhikari Kathmandu Anushka Shrestha Kathmandu Riya Basnet Kathmandu Meera Kakshapati Bhaktapur Rose Lama

Jorpati

Laboratory HS School 26 The Hidden Treasure
2018 Manita Devkota[28] Gorkha Shrinkhala Khatiwada Hetauda Priya Sigdel

Kathmandu

Ronali Amatya Kathmandu Mahima Singh Kathmandu Hotel Annapurna 25
2017 Nagma Shrestha[29] Kathmandu Nikita Chandak Morang Rojina Shrestha

Kathmandu

Niti Shah

Ghorahi

Sahara Basnet

Lalitpur

20

Winners by district / country

Districts / Countries Titles Winning years
Kathmandu 5 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
Bhaktapur 1 2024
Sydney, Australia 2020
Jhapa 2020
Maryland 2021
Gorkha 2018

Nepal at Miss Universe

Year Representative's Name District Title Placement Special Awards
2024 Sampada Ghimire Bhaktapur Miss Universe Nepal 2024 TBA
2023 Jane Dipika Garrett Kathmandu Miss Universe Nepal 2023 Top 20
2022 Sophiya Bhujel Kathmandu Miss Universe Nepal 2022 Unplaced
2021 Sujita Basnet Kathmandu Miss Universe Nepal 2021 Unplaced
2020 Anshika Sharma Jhapa Miss Universe Nepal 2020 Unplaced
2019 Pradeepta Adhikari Kathmandu Miss Nepal Universe 2019 Unplaced
2018 Manita Devkota Gorkha Miss Nepal Universe 2018 Top 10
1 Special Awards
    • National Gift Auction First Prize
2017 Nagma Shrestha Kathmandu Miss Nepal Universe 2017 Unplaced

See also

References

  1. ^ Maharjan, Satish. "Exclusive Rights With Global Glamour Venture". Global Glamour Venture. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Miss Universe Official Website". Miss Universe. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Nagma Shrestha to represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2017". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Miss Nepal - The Hidden Treasure". missnepal.com.np. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  5. ^ Magazine, New Spolight. "Miss Universe Nepal New Franchise Announced". SpotlightNepal. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  6. ^ "2023 National Directors". Miss Universe. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Miss Universe Nepal 2020 attempts to change the notion of beauty". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  9. ^ "Manita makes it to top 10 of Miss Universe". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  10. ^ Anneta Konstantinides (2 December 2023). "What it was like to be the first plus-sized woman at Miss Universe". Business Insider. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  11. ^ "As The Contest's First Plus Size Participant, Miss Nepal 2023 Jane Dipika Garrett Makes A Gorgeous Case For Inclusivity". NDTV.com. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  12. ^ Republica. "Application opens for Miss Universe Nepal 2024". My City. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  14. ^ Maharjan (satish.maharjan55@gmail.com), Satish. "Global Glamour Venture". Global Glamour Venture. Retrieved 8 July 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Umanga Creation (23 July 2022). Miss Universe Nepal 2022 | Task 3 | Q&A Round Day 1. Retrieved 8 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ Umanga Creation (10 August 2023). Miss Universe Nepal 2023 | Task 2 | Swimsuit Round. Retrieved 8 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ Umanga Creation (22 August 2022). Miss Universe Nepal 2022 Preliminary Interview 🌟👑 #MissUniverseNepal #PageantInterview. Retrieved 8 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ Umanga Creation (14 August 2022). Miss Universe Nepal 2022 Press Presentation. Retrieved 8 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ Kantipur TV HD (9 September 2023). Miss Universe Nepal 2023 - Grand Finale | Kantipur TV HD LIVE. Retrieved 8 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ "Nagma Shrestha - Miss Universe Nepal crown features the sun, the moon and the stars which signifies Eternity. 🇳🇵 My favourite for Miss Universe Nepal... well that is for destiny to determine. If its your year, its your year! One of the most valuable lesson pageantry had taught me is that, the moment you start comparing yourself with those around you, you lose. You lose because you start losing your essence. Why should you care if the person standing next to you is beautiful if you are beautiful too? or even better why should you be intimidated by someone who has a quality that you do not have when you have a quality that person does not have as well? Everybody is unique and nobody has it all. The most important thing is that you feel enough regardless of what others think of you. Remember that you are special. Nobody is better at being you than yourself and a copy will never be authentic than its original. Be you do you. The rest does not matter. P.S.I will forever embrace pageant culture. Tonight is my graduation night 🇳🇵😊 #missuniversenepal2017 #missearthnepal2012 #worldmissuniversity2016 #missecouniverse2016 #thecollegeambassador2008 #misscollege2009 #missnepal2012 | Facebook". te-in.facebook.com (in Telugu). Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  22. ^ Shree Balaji Diamond SBD (10 May 2022). Miss Universe Nepal 2022 - The Crown Awaits You. Retrieved 1 June 2024 – via YouTube.
  23. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  24. ^ "Breaking All Beauty Pageant Stereotypes, Jane Dipika Garrett Wins Miss Universe Nepal 2023". NeoStuffs. 9 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  25. ^ "Sophiya Bhujel wins the title of Miss Universe Nepal 2022". República. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  26. ^ "Sujita Basnet crowned Miss Universe Nepal 2021". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  27. ^ "Anshika Sharma crowned Miss Universe Nepal 2020". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  28. ^ Support (7 January 2019). "Manita Devkota | Manita Devkota Miss Universe Nepal 2018". Sharina World. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  29. ^ "Nagma Shrestha to represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2017". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 27 May 2024.